University of Virginia-Main Campus Top Questions

If I could see my high school self, I would convince myself to go to college right away and take a range of classes to find out what would interest me, instead of waiting. I planned to take one year off to figure out what I wanted to do, and ended up spending 14 years out of school. While I am excited to be back in class, it would have been much easier for me to complete a degree before I had a family. I would also have told myself about all of the ways that college can be paid for; when I was 19 I decided not to attend school because I didn't know that student loans were an option, and my parents didn't have money saved for me. I would also have told myself about the importance of having a degree, and how important going to college is.

College life is not all fun and partying. In some ways, it does feel like you're finally "on your own", but not in the ways you hope it will. When you want someone to handle all the red tape involved in registration and moving and bills, you'll wish you could have your parents handle it, as they always have. It's not always easy to make new friends. You have to remember, that as you look into a crowd and see people chatting with ease, laughing and having a good time, that the majority of them are probably just as nervous and uncomfortable as you are, and they're just hoping to make new friends too. You cannot rely on friends from home who may attend the same school, to be your only support system. If you lean on old friends too much, you'll never be forced to go out and make new ones. You may often feel like you want to blow off studying, so that you don't miss a great party, but don't. Five years from now, you won't remember the party anyways, but no one can take your degree away.

For the first 3 years of college, I was basically just staying afloat in terms of grades. If I could go back in time, I would tell myself that college is about exploration and not about knowing all the answers all the time. I would say that these are the moments that shape you as a person and if you allow other people's advice and criticisms to mold who you are, you're going to have a lot of work to do later on to build up your self-confidence again. I'd also say that it's important to have fun and socialize when you're in a new environment but remember that your main purpose is to build the best possible future for yourself and your family. The best friendships you'll make are the ones that are effortless and natural. I would tell myself that it's OK to be confused. Yes, even if you're more than half-way through college and second-guessing your major and career path. There's no successful person on the planet that didn't have a few hiccups along the way. Believe you can achieve, and you will.

If I could turn back time and talk to myself as a college senior, I would tell myself three things. First, I would say the path ahead is a short term loss for a long term gain. After years of experience, I believe that applying yourself wholeheartedly will ultimately make the path to success shorter. While it may be a sacrfice to chose studying over parties, or scholarship applications over dates, your choices are an investment. Second, I would tell myself to talk to people who can offer guidance. You cannot make all of the mistakes yourself, nor can you know all the answers yourself. If one assigned counselor does not meet your needs, they might know another professor who will spark an interest or introduce you to someone influential. Choose to talk to people. Third, I would tell myself to figure out what you like. It sounds cliche' because it is true and if you do chose not to find out what you like, you will be forced to do something just to make money. I would say everything is your choice now. Later, you will have less control if you do not make the right choices now.

DO NOT PANIC. The words of Douglas Adams have never failed me, but I wish somebody had told me them before going off to college. Going to college seems scary, nerve-wracking, and anxiety ridden. But it doesn't have to be. Go in there with a positive attitude and you can't fail; you won't fail. You got to where you are for a reason, so as long as you try your best you will succeed. Do not worry about wether people will like your or if you will get along with your roomate. Things will always work out in the end and someody will always have your back to make sure your hanging in there. Just don't sweat it. Have fun and enjoy yourself while still staying committed to your education. DO NOT PANIC.

I would tell myself that even though I did a lot of research, you have no idea what college is going to be like until you experience it. When you come across problems (which you will) take a deep breath and look at them objectively. Don't be afraid to ask your parents for advice. Remember all of the other first-year students are in the same boat as you. People will be nicer than you think they will be. Be sure to talk to any and every advisor you can. High school did not exactly prepare you for studying for college, you have a steep learning curve and you will have to spend much more time studying than you are used to doing. Although you are scared of over-loading yourself, you are more capapble than you give yourself credit. Also: go ahead and take French your first year, so that you have more room for other classes later on.

Find Yourself! Often times people will say that college is a time to get ahead in the world and to continue your education. While all of this is true, college has so many other purposes. I wish someone had told me that college is about more than grades and good schools. I wish I had taken classes not to fulfill requirements but to find what I was interested and good at. College is the first experience you have on your own. If you spend time doing what everyone else is telling you to then you will never find who you really are. I wish someone had told me to explore my first year, explore not only the new setting but myself. Dig deep, what do you really enjoy? Howard Thurman once said, “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” College can be the best time of your life if you're attending for the right reasons. So go out and find yourself!

So you're a high school senior getting ready to go to college. Get excited, and don't be scared! College is a whole new experience, so don't walk into it expecting it to be the same as high school. Yes, college classes are more challenging than high school classes, and yes, it is going to be awkward when you get to campus and don't know many people, but that's part of the fun, and it's what everyone else is going through, too. Expect the unexpected, try new things, and be positive. If someone in your dorm invites you to go get ice cream, do it! You may meet people who become your best friends. If your sociology professor recommends a book, check it out, and you may find yourself thinking in a whole new way. You are almost on your way to college. Enjoy the journey!

I'm not sure.

Don't get in a relationship your first year of college, study abroad, always measure out your drinks, socialize with people who don't look like you.